The Art Institute of Chicago will present "Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art" from March 7 to July 5, 2026, featuring 140 artworks spanning from 6th-century Buddhist sculpture to contemporary paintings. The exhibition includes 22 objects officially recognized as National Treasures or Treasures by the Korean government, all drawn from a landmark 2021 donation of over 23,000 works by the family of late Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-Hee. Highlights include Joseon dynasty ceramics, Buddhist paintings, and works by modern artists such as Kim Whanki and Park Rehyun.
This exhibition matters as the largest Art Institute show devoted to Korean art in four decades, marking the first public display of these privately held treasures. The Lee family's unprecedented gift ensures that these culturally significant objects now belong to the Korean people, offering audiences a comprehensive view of Korea's artistic legacy from the Three Kingdoms period through the 20th century. It underscores the growing global recognition of Korean art and the role of major philanthropic donations in making national heritage accessible.